Is squash hard for beginners?

It takes a few sessions to keep rallies going, mainly because a squash ball barely bounces until it is warm. Start with a red or blue dot ball and it becomes much easier.

What do I need to start playing squash?

A racket, a ball with the right dot for your level, non-marking court shoes and eye protection, which is compulsory for juniors in competition and sensible for everyone.

How do I find someone to play squash with?

Join a club's box league, where you are grouped with players of a similar standard, or go to a club night or beginners' session.

Is squash good exercise?

Yes, it is one of the most demanding racket sports: constant short sprints, lunges and turns.

Squash · Guide

How to play squash: a beginner's guide

Two players, four walls, one ball. You take turns to hit the ball onto the front wall above the tin, before it bounces twice. It is fast and a brilliant workout, and you will be rallying within a few sessions.

What you need

A racket. Clubs often lend them. See squash rackets explained.
The right ball. Beginners should use a blue or red dot, not the double yellow the good players use. See ball dots.
Non-marking court shoes with good grip.
Eye protection: compulsory for juniors in competition, and sensible for everyone.

The basics in six steps

Serve from a service box with one foot inside, above the service line, into the opposite back quarter. See how to serve.
Hit the front wall every shot, above the tin, before the ball touches the floor. It can hit the side walls on the way.
One bounce at most before you hit it.
Go back to the T, the middle of the court, after every shot.
Get out of the way after you hit. If you are blocked, stop and ask for a let.
Score to 11, point-a-rally, two clear points needed.

First tips

Hit to the back. A ball that lands deep and dies in the back corner is harder to return than a hard one down the middle.
Stay close to the side walls with your shots, but not your body.
Warm the ball up before you play. A cold ball will not bounce.
Keep score with our squash scorer, which also tracks whose serve it is and which box.

What next

Learn the core shots, try a few drills, and join a box league to get a SquashLevels rating.

Quick answers

Is squash hard for beginners?: It takes a few sessions to keep rallies going, mainly because a squash ball barely bounces until it is warm. Start with a red or blue dot ball and it becomes much easier.
What do I need to start playing squash?: A racket, a ball with the right dot for your level, non-marking court shoes and eye protection, which is compulsory for juniors in competition and sensible for everyone.
How do I find someone to play squash with?: Join a club's box league, where you are grouped with players of a similar standard, or go to a club night or beginners' session.
Is squash good exercise?: Yes, it is one of the most demanding racket sports: constant short sprints, lunges and turns.